Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

Lithium Australia gains patent protection for SiLeach

Lithium Australia has been granted patent protection in the United States and Australia for its SiLeach process which unlocks the value in lithium-bearing clays and micas. The process can produce lithium hydroxide, lithium carbonate and lithium phosphate which is used to produce lithium-ion batteries. The process is also being considered for protection in Europe. The company operates a pilot plant (pictured) at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation reactor at Lucas Heights.

Forbidden Foods launched Funch in China

Baby food manufacturer Forbidden Foods has opened an online store in China utilising Alibaba’s Tmall platform to market its Funch range direct to Chinese consumers. The Melbourne company partnered with Yaru Ventures to launch Funch, a range of 100 per cent Australian sourced natural fruit purees with added Omega 3 boosters. CEO Jarrod Milani said the launch opened up a market of more than half a billion monthly active users.

De.mem wins power station waste treatment contract

Water and wastewater treatment company De.mem has won a $550,000 contract for water treatment equipment for an Australian power station, the second such contract in recent months. The Singaporean-Australian manufacturer will supply equipment under the latest contract to diversified generator and retailer AGL Energy. In September the company announced a similar power station contract worth $400,000. De.mem CEO Andreas Kroell said the Australian power industry was a highly attractive sector as it required large volumes of quality water for boilers, turbines and cooling towers.

Picture: Lithium Australia

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